Food & Drink

A Culinary Overview of Greece

Greek cuisine is built on simple, high-quality ingredients—think golden olive oil, tangy feta, wild oregano, and bright squeezes of lemon. 

Across the country, you’ll find beloved staples like rich moussaka, flavourful dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), grilled seafood, and honey-drenched baklava. 

Each region has its own spin: the island of Crete is famous for its healthy Mediterranean diet, the Cyclades (including Mykonos and Santorini) serve up fresh-caught octopus and sun-dried fish, and the mountainous north leans into heartier meat dishes and foraged herbs. 

Whether you're sipping house wine in a village taverna or sampling artisanal cheeses at a local market, every bite tells a story.

Unique Greek Dining Experiences

Dining in Greece is about atmosphere as much as taste. On the islands, tavernas spill onto beaches where tables sink slightly into the sand, and fresh fish is grilled to order within view of the waves. 

In urban centres, you’ll find cozy ouzeris, casual spots where locals gather over small plates and shots of ouzo. 

Chic Santorini adds a touch of elegance with cliffside restaurants and winery lunches overlooking its ancient caldera. 

Whether you're dining barefoot by the sea or feasting under the glow of the Acropolis, these meals linger in memory. For helpful etiquette and local insight, explore Greece travel tips before your trip.
 

Greek Wine and Spirits

Greece’s wine scene is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. Indigenous grapes like Assyrtiko (crisp and mineral-rich), Agiorgitiko (deep and fruity), and Xinomavro (bold with age-worthy structure) reflect the diversity of the land itself. 

Many vineyards welcome visitors for tastings and tours, particularly in regions like Santorini, Nemea, and northern Greece. A sunset tasting on a terrace with views over the Aegean is a quintessential Greek luxury. 
 

“Santorini isn’t just sunsets—it’s sipping crisp white wine on a terrace as the light shifts over the caldera,” says Destination Specialist Melissa Moses. “Absolutely unforgettable.” 

And spirits also play their part: Ouzo or tsipouro are the perfect complements to mezze, while the local mastiha liqueur is another must-sip.
 

Dining Etiquette in Greece

Meals in Greece are meant to be savoured, not rushed. Dinners often begin late, sometimes after 9:00 p.m., and can stretch into the early hours over wine, laughter, and shared plates. 

Family-style dining is the norm, with a table full of mezze dishes meant to be passed around. Hospitality is generous and informal, but a few customs are worth noting: It’s polite to wait for your host to start eating, and when the bill comes, tipping five to 10 percent is appreciated, though not always expected. 

A warm “efcharistó” (thank you) goes a long way.

To understand how these moments reflect broader Greek cultural traditions, it helps to look at how food, faith, and family are intertwined across the country.

Accommodating Dietary Needs in Greece

The Mediterranean diet is naturally rich in vegetables, legumes, olive oil, and seafood, making it a welcoming destination for vegetarians and pescatarians. Even traditional meat-heavy menus often feature plant-based classics like fava beans, gigantes beans, and grilled vegetables. 

During Orthodox fasting periods such as Lent, many Greeks abstain from consuming meat and dairy, which means restaurants offer a surprising variety of vegan-friendly dishes. 

For those with dietary restrictions, it’s still helpful to learn a few Greek phrases or ask your server for “nistisimo,” a word that denotes food prepared for fasting, typically without animal products.

Plan Your Culinary Adventure in Greece

Greece invites you to taste its way of life—whether it’s a private dinner prepared by a local chef, a hands-on cooking class in a Cycladic village, or a market-to-table tour through the bustling streets of Athens. 

From the island of Sifnos, known for its chickpea stew, to the sweet simplicity of a baklava fresh from a neighborhood bakery, regional specialties are abundant and worth seeking out.

Book your custom food and wine journey to Greece with one of our Destinations Specialists today.

FAQs

What are the signature dishes and ingredients of Greek cuisine? 

Greek cuisine revolves around olive oil, lemon, oregano, and fresh vegetables. Signature dishes include moussaka, souvlaki, grilled octopus, dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), and a wide range of regional specialties like Cretan dakos or Cycladic seafood.

What traditional drinks and spirits are popular in Greece? 

Ouzo and tsipouro are classic Greek spirits, often sipped slowly with small plates. Greek wines like Assyrtiko from Santorini or Agiorgitiko from the Peloponnese are also gaining global recognition. Don’t miss trying a frappé—iced instant coffee that’s a daily ritual for many locals.

Where can travelers find authentic tavernas and fine dining in Greece? 

Authentic tavernas are everywhere, especially on the islands and in neighborhood corners of Athens. For fine dining, head to places like Santorini, where chefs fuse tradition with modern technique—many with a view of the island’s ancient caldera. Local recommendations are often the best bet for both.

What sweet treats and desserts are unique to Greek culinary tradition? 

Baklava is the most famous, made with honey, nuts, and layers of phyllo. Other sweets include loukoumades (fried dough balls with honey), galaktoboureko (custard pie), and spoon sweets—fruit preserves served with coffee or on their own as a treat.